Adriana and Andrez Wed 6/13/25

 Well, Friends and Family, we know that Adriana and Andrez are here today to get married and that they are perfect for each other. (Can I get a “heck yeah?”)  Friends, how did we end up here today? How did these two people somehow not only end up meeting, but also end up falling in love and choosing to spend the rest of their lives together? Choosing to blend their two families together?

Well, I’d like to spend the next few minutes telling you a true fairy tale version of how that happened. This love story begins as so many modern love stories begin - with a swipe right on Tinder.

Andrez, a man of few words but many serious looks, is scrolling through his phone. It's a regular day, nothing out of the ordinary. He's got one hand on his phone, the other nursing a cup of coffee. His eyes fall on Adriana's profile. He can't help but think she's beautiful. A tap on his screen, and it's a match.

Across town, there's Adriana, laid up on her couch, a fresh gallbladder surgery scar as her inconvenient companion. Her phone buzzes with a notification. A smile spreads across her face. It's a match with Andrez. Through the fog of recovery, she finds a reason to smile.

For two weeks, their phones buzz back and forth. The conversation is light, easy, a comforting distraction from Adriana's recovery. Andrez finds himself looking forward to Adriana's messages, her sense of humor shining through even as she's stuck on the couch.

Finally, the day comes. July 13, 2023. Adriana is making her first drive since her surgery. She's nervous, but eager. Her destination? Bubba's, and a lunch date with Andrez.

In the restaurant, Andrez sits waiting, that serious look on his face. He's not sure what to expect. He's met Adriana online, but in person? It's a whole different ball game.

Adriana walks up to meet him, and Andrez's heart skips a beat. She's just as beautiful as her pictures, he thinks. They start to talk, and just like their online chats, the conversation flows easily. Adriana finds herself liking Andrez more and more. He's easy to talk to, despite his serious looks.

But there's a nagging feeling in the back of Adriana's mind. Does he like her? His serious look is throwing her off. Andrez, for his part, is too caught up in the conversation to notice Adriana's uncertainty. He's just glad they're getting along so well.

And so, the lunch date continues, with questions, laughter, and a touch of uncertainty. It's the start of something new, something exciting, something that feels a lot like the start of a love story. And all because of a swipe right on Tinder. Andrez is right there, sitting across Adriana at Bubba's. He's got an afternoon flight to catch, but he's not rushing. He's here, enjoying the chatter and the company of Adriana. They're talking about their families, their interests, nearly everything under the sun.

Adriana is smiling, laughing at Andrez's humor. She's comfortable, and she's happy. She finds Andrez's serious demeanor oddly charming. Her scar aches a little, but she barely notices. She's too caught up in the moment, in the conversation.

Andrez, on the other hand, looks at his watch. His flight is soon, but he doesn’t want to leave. He's enjoying himself. He likes Adriana. He likes her smile, her laugh, her strength. He's thinking about asking her for a second date. But will she say yes?

Adriana, sensing Andrez's hesitation, offers him a reassuring smile. She likes him too. She's open to a second date. She's looking forward to it. She's hopeful, excited, a little nervous, but mostly happy. She's looking forward to seeing Andrez again, to continue their conversation, to get to know him better.

Andrez finally asks her. Would you like to go out again when I return? Adriana’s smile widens. Yes, I'd like that, she says. And just like that, the date ends. Andrez rushes off to catch his flight, and Adriana leaves Bubba's, a smile still on her face.

Andrez's flight takes off, but his mind is still on Adriana. He's thinking about their lunch, their conversation, their connection. He's looking forward to their second date. He's looking forward to getting to know Adriana better. He's looking forward to building something real, something lasting with her.

Adriana, on her way home, can't help but replay the date in her mind. She's thinking about Andrez, about his serious looks, his dry humor, his kind heart. She's looking forward to their second date. She's looking forward to getting to know him better, to building something real with him.

And that date leads to the next, and soon Andrez and Adriana are building a life and a future together.

Andrez and Adriana are getting ready for dinner. It's a special occasion, they've been told. Adriana's sister and her boyfriend are celebrating their anniversary, and they want Andrez and Adriana to join them. Both Andrez and Adriana are dressed up, looking forward to a nice evening on the Riverwalk.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Adriana, Andrez is a bundle of nerves. He's got a massive surprise up his sleeve. He's going to propose! But not just any proposal. He's got a plan, a ruse. He's roped in a friend and his wife and hired a photographer to help him. The friends are going to pretend they've just got engaged, do a photoshoot on the Selena Bridge, and then pass him the ring.

They arrive at the Riverwalk, and there's the couple, right on the Selena Bridge, just as planned. They're taking pictures, and the bridge is decorated with rose petals and candles. Andrez makes a move, grabs Adriana's hand, and heads towards the couple. Adriana protests, says it's rude but Andrez insists. He walks up the stairs, asks to see the ring, and then turns around.

And here it is! The moment of truth. Andrez on his knee, ring in hand, asking Adriana to marry him. Adriana is shocked, surprised, and overjoyed. She's crying, saying yes, and embracing Andrez. The photographer is snapping away, capturing every beautiful, emotional moment of the proposal.

Andrez is relieved, happy, and ecstatic. He was nervous, unsure of what Adriana would say, but now, he's just relieved. He didn't want to give anything away, he wanted to surprise her, and he did just that. Andrez and Adriana are engaged, they're going to get married, they're going to spend the rest of their lives together.

And here we are today.

They did it! Can we give it up for Adriana and Andrez?

This is a beautiful story;

It’s a story of two people who took a chance on a dating app and found their forever person! 

It’s because of the moments in this story and many others that Andrez can say of Adriana, when I asked him what he loves about her:

I love so much about Adriana. There’s a never-ending list; I can find out something else about her and fall even more in love than I already have. I will say 3 things to keep it simple though. First her smile - it’s so captivating, and I love seeing it when we laugh together. Second, is her willingness to understand me. Whether we agree or disagree on something, she always is willing to talk and more importantly I think, listen, about our different point of views for a better understanding, even if we still don’t agree in the end, there’s times where she truly grounds me. And third, is watching her with our kids, ALL 6! She is always fair, firm and above all loving, which is something I strive for myself as a parent and admire seeing in her.

And Adriana says of Andrez, when I asked her what she loves about him:

Why I love Andrez… because Andrez was meant for me. He’s everything I’ve wanted and needed but never knew existed. We had an instant connection when we met. He was willing to be in this relationship without fear, reservations, and with no hesitation to commit to us. I love that he is thoughtful, generous, and intelligent. What I love most about him is the way that he treats his family and mine, he’s a great father to his girls and the attention he has given my son just captured my heart. Andrez is someone I want to be around constantly and share every moment of this beautiful life with. I can trust that he will lead our family as a man should.

Now, Adriana and Andrez are in love, and two people in love do tend to gush about each other.  But it’s the opinions of family and friends that are perhaps a bit more objective.

Well, I asked a few friends and family about Adriana and Andrez - a few of you here today - a few of the people who love Adriana and Andrez most.  Here’s what you had to say:

Happiness. They both seem happy together.

With Andrez, Nana finally met her perfect match, the one who doesn’t just admire her strength, but creates a safe place for her softness. He is the final border piece of her puzzle—not the end of the picture, but the moment the edges locked into place. Together, they are building something beautiful, but now, the foundation is strong, the frame is whole, and the rest can grow inside of it. Because of his love, she no longer has to lead with armor. She can exhale. She can melt. She can be the woman she’s always been beneath the fire and the grit: soft, luminous, grounded—a slowed-down goddess who no longer has to fight to be understood and is finally able to rest in her power, not defend it. That’s the power of true love—it doesn’t complete you; it frees you.

Today is like no other in the story of Adriana and Andrez because they’ve invited us here to observe and to witness and to celebrate What their love story has inspired: Promise. How they’ve grown together and come to this moment Where they want to say to each other,

“I will be the person who is always here for you.  I commit to loving you faithfully for as many years as we have left on this earth.”

So, Adriana and Andrez, you are here today to say publicly, to us and to each other, that the bond that started to take root on an app, at Bubba's too soon after surgery, and on a bridge on the Riverwalk, in all your mundane moments and exciting excursions - that bond - you will commit to keep strengthening wherever life takes you together from this day forward.

And so, having said all that, Adriana and Andrez, do you stand here today to give yourselves to each other in marriage?

Adriana & Andrez: “We do.”

This is the heart of the ceremony - the part of the day when Adriana and Andrez break new ground into their relationship by making promises to each other traditionally called “vows.”

Andrez, I’m going to ask you a question, and you can reply with, “I do.”

Andrez, do you take Adriana, to be your wife, your life partner and friend?  To join her life with yours, to share with her all that will be, to laugh with her in joy, to comfort her in sorrow, to grow with her in love?  Do you promise to honor her and be faithful to her, all the days of your life?

Andrez: “I do.”

And now, Adriana:

Adriana, do you take Andrez, to be your husband, your life partner and friend?  To join his life with yours, to share with him all that will be, to laugh with him in joy, to comfort him in sorrow, to grow with him in love?  Do you promise to honor him and be faithful to him, all the days of your life?

Adriana: “I do.”

Adriana and Andrez will now exchange rings as a symbol of the promises they’ve made here today and of their ongoing commitment to each other.

Andrez, please repeat after me:

Adriana, I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love and honor you.  Please wear it as a sign, of my commitment to you.

Adriana, please repeat after me:

Andrez, I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love and honor you.  Please wear it as a sign, Of my commitment to you.

Sabrina: As we unite these hearts and families today, we celebrate the beautiful tapestry of love and belonging they are weaving together.

And now, with great joy in front of all your closest friends and family, by the authority given to me by the state, I pronounce you husband and wife! Andrez, you may kiss your bride!

And now, Friends and Family, please stand with us now; it’s my distinct honor to present to you for the very first time (on any public stage!): Andrez and Adriana as Mr. and Mrs. Perez!

@Granberry Hills Event Facility @Blanca's Reception Hall (catering) @ZGN Productions, LLC (photo NOT by them! It’s a selfie!) @DJ Big Rick

Rev. Sabrina